Crystal-field study of Sm3+ ions in Sm2O3, Sm3+:Gd2O3 and Sm3+:Y2O3 Original Research Article

Raman active phonons and Sm3+ crystal field excitations have been studied in Sm2O3 types B and C, and 3, 10 and 30% Sm3+ doped Gd2O3 and Y2O3. The phonons of each type exhibit a one-mode behavior as a function of concentration and a relatively broad linewidth. CF excitations corresponding to the 6H9/2, 6H11/2, 6H13/2, 4F3/2, and 4G5/2 intermuliplet transitions have been detected in both types and associated on the one hand with the three Sm3+ inequivalent Cs site-symmetry in the B-type; and on the other hand, with the Sm3+C2 site-symmetry in the C-type. Finally, in both types, a strong luminescence, which is broadened in the B-type is observed around 16,450 cm−1.